If you’re aiming to earn some extra cash, build your online presence, or just find a fun hobby that also pays, we have the perfect options for you.
Here are the 10 best side hustles for Gen Z:
1. Use Social Media
Grow a following by creating vlogs or short videos that educate, entertain, or share exciting events. You can also attract brands that want to promote their products through your channel.
Becoming successful on platforms like YouTube and TikTok can be challenging, but everyone starts somewhere. Pick a specific niche and explore it thoroughly. How-to videos, reviews, fashion vlogs, and weight loss tips are great starting points if you’re knowledgeable and ready to put yourself out there. You don’t need to compete with top influencers to earn money!
Monthly Earning Potential: TikTok $0.02-$0.04 per 1,000 views; YouTube $18 per 1,000 ad views (approx.)
2. Design Websites
You don’t need to be a coding expert. Learn to use web builders like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix and offer your services to new business owners who need an online presence.
Small to medium-sized websites often use these builders and don’t require advanced coding skills. Start by offering your services to local small businesses that could benefit from a website.
Monthly Earning Potential: $1,000-$4,000
3. Start a Blog or Look for Writing Gigs
If you have a passion for topics like travel, art, cooking, or technology, start writing! You can also find companies looking for writers to maintain their blogs.
Writing for businesses is the quickest way to earn money, though starting your own blog can also be profitable. Use your blog as a sample to attract clients, and if it becomes successful, consider turning it into a business.
Monthly Earning Potential: $1,500-$4,500
4. Sell Stock Photography or Drone Footage
If you have a good camera or a drone, take high-quality images and footage of daily items, landscapes, or aerial views and sell them to stock photography sites.
Sites like Shutterstock, Getty Images, and Pexels accept contributions, allowing you to earn royalties from your photos and videos.
Monthly Earning Potential: $0.02 per image sold
5. Create Digital or Physical Products
Design and create items like graphics, art prints, T-shirts, or jewelry, and sell them on sites like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace.
Etsy is perfect for showcasing and selling your creations. Originality is key to attracting customers.
Monthly Earning Potential: $500-$3,700
6. Become a Software Coach or Consultant
Learn new software products that help businesses increase productivity, then offer training or setup services.
Project management software like ClickUp, Asana, Basecamp, and Slack are in demand, and businesses are willing to pay for expert help.
Monthly Earning Potential: $1,500-$5,000
7. Become a Virtual Assistant
Many businesses need help with administrative tasks, and virtual assistants can provide this support remotely.
Tasks can include bookkeeping, payroll, lead generation, outbound marketing, email correspondence, and customer service. Look for opportunities on LinkedIn.
Monthly Earning Potential: $1,500-$3,750
8. Get Into Affiliate Marketing
Promote products or services you believe in and earn a commission for each sale made through your referral link.
Many companies offer affiliate programs, and you can share your links on your blog, social media, or with friends and family.
Monthly Earning Potential: $1,500-$2,500
9. Start a Podcast
If you enjoy talking about a specific topic, starting a podcast can be a lucrative side hustle.
Podcasts are easy to start and can be recorded with just a smartphone. Use sites like Anchor.fm to host your podcast for free.
Monthly Earning Potential: $4,500-$6,700 (median)
10. Serve a Need in Your Community
For physical side hustles, consider offering services like snow shoveling, lawn mowing, window cleaning, or dog walking.
Look for opportunities in your neighborhood and use sites like Rover for dog walking, MindMyHouse for house sitting, and Bark for handyman services.
Monthly Earning Potential: $500-$2,000
What is a Gen Z Side Hustle?
Gen Z includes those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. Many have grown up with digital technology and are well-prepared to start side hustles that leverage these skills.
Side hustles have been around for generations, providing extra income while maintaining a day job. Gen Z faced unique challenges during the pandemic, which led many to develop new skills or find creative ways to earn money.
Microsoft’s 2022 Work Trend Index study showed that 70 percent of Gen Z actively pursued side hustles during the pandemic, finding ways to turn their skills into income.
Side Hustle Ideas to Avoid
While there are many good side hustles, some are best avoided if you want to be fairly compensated.
Avoid Direct Sales: Multi-level marketing (MLM) companies can be scammy and often require selling to friends and family.
Be Cautious with Freelance Sites: These sites can lead to low-paying gigs and sometimes involve scams.
Skip Survey Sites: Surveys pay very little and require a significant time investment for minimal return.
Why Are So Many Gen Z’ers Looking for Side Hustles?
Money is a big motivator, but it’s not the only reason. The pandemic limited free activities and many turned to new hobbies or ways to make money online. Social media, especially TikTok, showcased various money-making methods, inspiring many to start side hustles.
For those graduating between 2020-2022, side hustles offered a way to explore their skills and prove their competence during uncertain times.
How to Choose a Side Hustle
To start a side hustle, identify what you’re good at or interested in learning. Look for needs online or in your local community and develop solutions that people will pay for.
How Much Can You Earn With a Gen Z Side Hustle?
Earning potential varies, but most side hustles can provide at least $1,000 per month. Digital services like web design, freelance writing, and software training are among the most lucrative.
The Side Hustle Checklist
If you’re serious about starting a Gen Z side hustle, follow our step-by-step checklist to ensure you get the best results. This guide will help you go from being bored at home to generating income in no time. Download the checklist and start planning your next gig!
